MOCON PERMATRAN-W® Model 3/34G Water Vapor Transmission Rate Tester
| Brand | MOCON |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | PERMATRAN-W® Model 3/34G |
| Test Range (Film) | 0.005–100 g/(m²·day) |
| Resolution | 0.001 g/(m²·day) |
| Repeatability | ±0.005 g/(m²·day) or ±2% |
| Temperature Control | 10–40 °C (±0.2 °C) |
| Humidity Range | 5–90% RH, up to 100% RH |
| Test Chamber Area | 2 × 50 cm² |
| Sample Size (Film) | 10.8 cm × 10.8 cm |
| Package Capacity | Up to 3 L |
| Sensor Type | Coulometric Moisture Detector |
| Sealing Technology | TruSeal™ Nitrogen Perimeter Purge |
| Interface | Touchscreen + Ethernet/USB |
| Data Storage | Internal (100 test records) + PermNet® Lite remote software support |
| Compliance | ASTM F1249, ISO 15106-3, TAPPI T464, USP <671>, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (with audit trail enabled) |
Overview
The MOCON PERMATRAN-W® Model 3/34G is a high-precision, fully automated water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) tester engineered for rigorous barrier performance evaluation of flexible packaging films, rigid containers, and laminated structures. It operates on the coulometric detection principle—where permeating water vapor is carried by a dry carrier gas (typically nitrogen) across a conditioned test specimen into a moisture-specific sensor that quantifies water molecules via electrolytic current generation. This method delivers trace-level sensitivity and long-term stability without consumables such as desiccants or chemical reagents. With over two decades of industry leadership in WVTR metrology, MOCON has refined the 3/34G platform to meet evolving global regulatory and quality assurance demands—particularly in pharmaceutical primary packaging, sterile medical device pouches, and premium food packaging where shelf-life prediction hinges on sub-0.01 g/(m²·day) measurement fidelity.
Key Features
- TruSeal™ perimeter nitrogen purge technology ensures zero environmental moisture intrusion at the test cavity seal interface—critical for reproducible ultra-low WVTR measurements down to 0.005 g/(m²·day).
- Dual independent 50 cm² test chambers enable parallel or comparative testing under identical or divergent climate conditions (temperature/humidity), reducing throughput time by up to 40% versus single-chamber systems.
- Full environmental control: integrated PID-regulated temperature (10–40 °C ±0.2 °C) and humidity (5–90% RH, optional 100% RH) modules with real-time feedback and automatic atmospheric pressure compensation.
- Intelligent equilibrium detection algorithm eliminates manual zeroing steps for film tests and dynamically adjusts sampling intervals based on permeation kinetics—reducing average test duration by 25–35% across common polymer substrates.
- Automated purge protocol for package testing: high-flow nitrogen pre-sweep removes residual ambient moisture from headspace prior to seal, minimizing equilibration lag in container-mode assays.
- Embedded industrial-grade computer with capacitive touchscreen UI; supports local operation or remote monitoring/control via PermNet® Lite software over Ethernet or USB.
- Coulometric sensor protection architecture—including over-range current limiting, gas flow interlocks, and circuit board thermal/moisture shielding—extends sensor service life and reduces scheduled maintenance frequency.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PERMATRAN-W® 3/34G accommodates flat films (10.8 cm × 10.8 cm), laminates, coated papers, and rigid or semi-rigid packages up to 3 L volume using an optional package test conversion kit. Its design conforms to key international standards including ASTM F1249 (standard test method for WVTR of plastic film and sheeting), ISO 15106-3 (infrared detection variant), TAPPI T464 (for paper-based barriers), and USP (for pharmaceutical packaging validation). When configured with PermNet® Lite and enabled audit trail functionality, the system satisfies data integrity requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and supports GLP/GMP-compliant workflows—including electronic signatures, user access tiers, and immutable test record archiving. NIST-traceable calibration documentation is available upon request to ensure metrological continuity across laboratory networks.
Software & Data Management
All test parameters, raw sensor outputs, equilibrium curves, and final WVTR values are timestamped and stored internally (100-test buffer) with automatic export capability to CSV or PDF via USB or network transfer. PermNet® Lite provides advanced features including multi-condition sequential testing (up to 20 temperature/humidity profiles per sample), statistical trend analysis across batches, and customizable report templates aligned with internal SOPs or regulatory submission formats. Remote diagnostic access allows MOCON-certified engineers to perform firmware updates, sensor diagnostics, and configuration audits without on-site visits—minimizing instrument downtime. The system logs all operator actions, parameter changes, and environmental deviations in a tamper-evident audit trail compliant with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).
Applications
- Pharmaceutical packaging: Validation of blister foil, cold-form foil, and Alu-Alu laminates for moisture-sensitive APIs and lyophilized products.
- Sterile medical device packaging: Barrier qualification of Tyvek®/PET-PE pouches, peel-open trays, and thermoformed clamshells per ISO 11607-1.
- Food packaging R&D: Comparative WVTR screening of biopolymer films (PLA, PHA), metallized PET, SiOx-coated substrates, and multilayer extrusions.
- Electronics encapsulation: Moisture ingress assessment of conformal coatings and flexible OLED barrier stacks.
- Quality control laboratories: Routine release testing of incoming roll stock and finished packaging against AQL-based specifications.
FAQ
What standards does the PERMATRAN-W® 3/34G comply with?
It meets ASTM F1249, ISO 15106-3, TAPPI T464, and USP ; with optional software configuration, it supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements.
Can the instrument test both flat films and sealed packages?
Yes—flat films are tested directly in the standard dual-chamber configuration; packages require the optional Package Test Conversion Kit and undergo headspace purge prior to sealing.
Is NIST-traceable calibration included?
NIST-traceable calibration certificates are available as a configurable option at time of purchase or during annual service; MOCON’s Metrology Lab issues certificates with uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC 17025.
How is sensor longevity ensured?
The coulometric sensor features over-range current suppression, regulated gas flow safeguards, and continuous nitrogen shielding—collectively extending operational life beyond 5 years under typical QC usage.
Does the system support unattended overnight testing?
Yes—fully automated multi-profile sequences, internal data logging, and power-fail recovery allow uninterrupted execution of extended barrier studies without operator intervention.
